Empowering Justice Institutions, Media, and Civil Society for Inclusive Leadership
Building a regional administration in the Somali Regional State (SRS) that commands public acceptance, deep societal trust, and a healthy relationship with its citizens is a paramount goal, especially amidst the ongoing transformation and democratization process. This requires a multi-faceted approach, resting on fundamental pillars that are being actively pursued alongside a distinct leadership vision.
As Mr. Abdullahi Laag, former head of the Education Bureau in the Somali Regional State (SRS), eloquently stated:
"These three matters can contribute to the establishment of a regional state/administration with legitimacy, public/community trust, and a balanced relationship between them:"
Justice
When a citizen trusts the justice and judicial institutions, it builds the confidence and trust of the citizens. It also makes the justice and judicial institutions serve the public efficiently. This becomes possible when the law is applied equally to everyone. A single case of injustice can have a greater impact than many words spoken.
Media with the Capacity and Power to Serve the Public
Accessing and sharing reliable and factual information with the public plays a significant role in building public trust. When there is no independent media and sources of information are limited, speculation and suspicion arise from the sources. Especially at a time when there are social media sources with both positive and negative influences.
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
Civil Society Organizations, particularly those that unite professionals, intellectuals, and various segments of society, play an important role in the relationship between the public and the governmental structure. During a state-building or nascent administration phase, the role of civil society organizations is indispensable. The crucial point is to create a suitable environment for fostering innovative ideas that nurture civil society organizations, which are based on principles and ideas that serve the public interest.
Although the leading role of political leadership and community segments is indispensable when aiming to build the relationship between the public and the administration, these three points can play a significant role in building public trust.
Rapport and Trust System
These foundational pillars, articulated by Mr. Laag, are actively being pursued alongside the SRS government's own strategies for cultivating trust. The "Rapport and Trust System" serves as the practical mechanism for the administration to fulfill its commitments, sustainably build governance capacity, and foster positive relationships based on mutual understanding. Recognizing the strategic importance of regional relationships, the government also prioritizes "Rapprochement" with neighboring regions and countries.
Economic Transformation
President Mustafa M. Omar's reflections on the region's economic transformation further underscore the importance of these pillars and the underlying leadership approach. In a Facebook post on March 24, 2025, President Omar highlighted significant improvements following the establishment of a free trade system, stating:
"Among the improvements implemented after the change that significantly contributed to the economic growth and job creation in the region is Commerce. This followed the establishment of a free trade system, eliminating the monopolization of trade by specific individuals. This encouraged many people to join the business sector. Before the change, the region had approximately 26,000 licensed businesses, while in the last six years, an additional 61,000 new businesses have emerged.
Free trade fosters healthy competition and service innovation that benefits the public. For example, before the change, there were no modern public transportation companies serving the region. Today, there are 14 such companies providing modern services (both long and short-distance travel) to the community. Six years ago, the number of legally operating vehicles in the region was 1,980, and now it stands at 37,000.
This increase in transportation services, coupled with the positive progress in road construction, has enabled an annual movement of 3.2 million people between the region's provinces and cities, compared to 1.2 million annually before the change. Bearing this in mind, the government will focus on supporting businesses and reducing the challenges they face."
Mustafa M Omar - SRS President
HAWADI Framework
Underpinning these efforts is the potential adoption of HAWADI, a locally-conceived framework defining essential leadership qualities for transformative change within the Somali context:
- H - Haldoor (Decision Maker)
- A - Alife Initiator (Initiator)
- W - Waayo Arag (Experienced)
- A - Aamin (Trustworthy)
- D - Daadaheeye (Coach)
- I - Indheer Garad (Visionary)
Case Study: Embracing the HAWADI Leadership Vision
Imagine a scenario where the President and key cabinet members of the SRS formally endorse the HAWADI framework as the guiding philosophy for leadership within the region. This endorsement, rooted in a local understanding of effective leadership, could manifest in public declarations, policy documents, leadership training programs, performance evaluation metrics, and public awareness campaigns.
Conclusion
The foundational pillars of an impartial justice system, a credible media championing freedom of expression, and a vibrant civil society, as articulated by Mr. Abdullahi Laag, provide the essential structure for building public trust. In the Somali Region, the current leadership's demonstrated commitment to economic transformation, coupled with the potential embrace of the locally-conceived HAWADI vision and a focus on these core pillars, presents a powerful and integrated approach. By nurturing HAWADI qualities within its leaders and consistently strengthening the foundational elements of a just, informed, and participatory society, the SRS can pave the way for a more responsive, accountable, and ultimately, successful regional administration that earns and sustains the deep trust of its people, fostering sustainable development and unity within the region.
Cheers to progress! Fresh water is finally in Wajaale!
A milestone for the community, bringing hope and sustainability.
#CleanWaterForAll #Wajaale #BuildingTheFuture